- LNG-capable vessels total 1,329, making up 6.56% of the global fleet.
- LNG bunkering capacity has doubled, with 32 boats and 201 ports, plus 57 upgrades by 2026.
- Regulations drive LNG adoption through newbuilds and engine retrofits.
With the maritime industry prioritizing sustainability, the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel has accelerated. This transition has resulted in an expanding orderbook for LNG-capable vessels and a rise in demand for LNG bunker vessels and port infrastructure. By the end of 2026, 57 additional ports are expected to be upgraded with LNG bunkering facilities, further strengthening the industry’s capacity for cleaner fuel adoption.
According to Intermodal Shipbrokers and Offshore , the number of LNG-capable vessels has grown substantially. As of March 2025, 1,329 vessels can operate on LNG, with a total carrying capacity of 110 million gross tons, accounting for 6.56% of the global fleet. This is a sharp increase from 2021, when only 558 such vessels existed.
Newbuild Orders and Market Growth
The demand for LNG-capable vessels is also evident in the newbuild sector, where these vessels now make up 37.79% of the global orderbook, with 1,037 vessels under construction. The growing fleet has fueled an increase in LNG bunkering operations, with 32 dedicated LNG bunkering vessels engaged in ship-to-ship fueling as of 2025. Their total capacity has risen to 263,201 cubic meters—more than doubling since 2022. The fleet is expected to grow further, with an estimated 6% increase in 2025 and a substantial 18% rise in 2026.
The LNG bunkering fleet is relatively young, with an average age of six years. Most of these vessels are built in Chinese and South Korean shipyards, with ownership concentrated in East Asia and Europe, particularly in Japan, South Korea, and Spain.
In February 2025 alone, eight new LNG bunkering vessels were ordered, totaling 137,900 cubic meters in capacity. This brought the total orderbook to 28 vessels, with a combined capacity of 481,400 cubic meters. The orderbook-to-fleet ratio currently stands at 183%, highlighting strong growth trends. Additionally, the average size of newly ordered LNG bunkering vessels has increased to 17,179 cubic meters, compared to the existing fleet’s average of 8,225 cubic meters, indicating a shift towards larger vessels.
Expansion of LNG Port Infrastructure
Alongside the growing LNG fleet, the development of LNG port infrastructure has accelerated. The number of ports equipped with LNG bunkering facilities—including storage tanks, distribution pipelines, and advanced safety systems—has increased to 201, up by 60 since 2021. Furthermore, an additional 57 ports are set to be upgraded by 2026, reinforcing the maritime industry’s commitment to LNG as a key fuel alternative.
Regulatory Influence and Engine Retrofits
While economic and geopolitical factors shape the LNG bunkering market, shipowners are increasingly investing in LNG-capable vessels to comply with stricter environmental regulations. As part of their short-term strategy to reduce emissions, many shipowners have turned to engine retrofits, converting existing vessels to LNG fuel.
With regulatory pressures intensifying, the LNG bunkering market is poised for significant expansion, ensuring shipowners have access to cleaner and commercially viable fuel solutions.
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Source: Offshore Energy
